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Louisville 15th Feby 1854 Dear Col Your letter of 19th Ulto was a long time reaching us. As soon as we recd it I telegraphed you to Vicksburg about the corn, stating that speculators were at work here and the price was so high that I was afraid it would cost you more than to buy below. In fact there is no ear corn to be had. It is all shelled or shelling and no flat boats to be had. The only flat boat load that can be had will be out of [Whitemer?] or Wabash. I suggested to you to let me send you over to Memphis So this point they catch every thing. I have written to [Hammestown?] about it but [Borl?] is in New Orleans. When I hear from you if you write me I will write to Memphis & have a
boat load bought there. You dont say but I suppose you want the corn in the ear. However I hope I hear from you in a day or two about it. I think you had as well send me a [?] where you want the Pork immediately & I will fill the order when I think the price down to the lowest point. I am very glad you have bought the Dunlap plantation. Take care of the shubbery & flowers. The oftener a man looks at flowers the better it will in be here. If necessary employ a gardener but at all events take care of the flowers. Never mind the expense. Dont destroy the beauty of the place. Make it so that all your friends will like to visit & take your wife and children to visit it in the winter. Yours truly [Ben. I. Abrams?]
{Warrenton, Miss}
Lafayette Feby 15. 1854
Col. R.C. Ballard Dear Col. You have doubtless heard before this of the arrest and escape of Joe. Butler It is certainly very strange indeed that he would be so foolish as to throw himself exactly in the position to be taken up, but as he has found that he will be arrested I hope he may profit by it And get out of the country, if not for his own sake, for the sake of his friends or rather would be friends if he would let them be so.
Business is somewhat brisker than it has been this winter. Mr. Kidd got down last Friday with 28 horses and since his arrival we have sold nearly that number. I hope it may work out so we will make something yet.
I had a letter from Louise a day or two since All were well at your house.
I want to pay you a visit when our season's business closes and we can likely fix it to go up together. Hoping this may find you in the enjoyment of good health I am Very Truly Your friend W. A. Ellis
Mr R.C. Ballard 1854 To Wm Woods Dr Jany 9th To 15 No 2 Ploughs @ 7$ $105.00 Natchez Feby 15th 1854
Dear Sir The above is the amount of the Ploughs I sent to you - Respectfully Yours &c Wm Woods
PS If you send a draft sent it to Natchez
5 Col. R C. Ballard
Warrington
Miss